Game of Thrones Power Rankings, Season Six, Episode Ten, “The Winds of Winter”

Well, that escalated quickly. Although in Daenerys’ case, it escalated extremely, extremely slowly. In any event we end the season with four bases of power in Westeros – Targaryen in the South, Stark in the North, Lannister in between, the Night’s King lurking beyond the wall. Let’s see how this affects our final power rankings for the season:

1. House Stark (Last Week, #2)

For a while, George R.R. Martin’s working title for the upcoming “The Winds of Winter” was “A Time for Wolves.” We’re starting to see why. We also get confirmation that Jon is indeed NOT the illegitimate son of Ned Stark but the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. He may, or may not be legitimate after all, but with only one and a half Targaryens left in the world, it may not matter. Additional props to Arya for ridding us of the disgusting Walder Frey. They may not have dragons, but they finish the season on top.

2. House Targaryen (Last Week, #1)

Daenerys seems to have everything in place – if this were a year ago. Winter is here, and there’s a good question about how her Dothraki and dragons will fare in cold weather. She needs to move quickly if she’s going to be in a helpful position when the real war comes.

3. House Lannister (Last Week, #7)

When you murder most of your enemies in one day, you move up the Power Rankings. The scariest part is that, even though her tactics evoke memories of the Mad King, Cersei isn’t crazy – she just doesn’t care anymore.

4. House Arryn (Last Week, #3)

The Knights of the Vale were in the room when Jon was proclaimed King of the North. However, there remains the uncomfortable questions of Littlefinger’s hold on Robin Arryn and the influence he might have on Sansa. Tread lightly, Jon Snow.

5. House Martell (Last Week, NR)

The Martells have been wisely patient this season. I thought one of the Sand Snakes was going to whack Tommen, but instead they returned home and made alliances. Not bad for a season’s work.

6. House Greyjoy (Last Week, #4)

Yara and Theon have also made some good decisions this season. What drops the Ironborn in the rankings is their crazy uncle. He’s the ultimate wildcard, and it’s unclear what his next move is now that he won’t be marrying Daenerys any time soon.

7. The Others/White Walkers (Last Week, NR)

The Wall remains standing. For now.

8. House Tyrell (Last Week, NR)

The Sparrows are dead and gone, and so is most of House Tyrell. The key word here is “most of.” The Queen of Thorns has nothing to lose, and that makes her dangerous. Although, I’d like to point out that Sam’s visit to The Reach showed that her bannermen are hardly ready for any war, much less a war against the dead.